Rothesay

Travel Guide

A harbor with boats, a concrete dock, and green hills in the background.
A calm lake with a red buoy, rocky shoreline, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A coastal town with buildings along the shore, a body of water in the foreground, and mountains in the background.
A historic castle with a moat and a grassy area in front.
A calm lake with a sailboat, surrounded by buildings and hills.
The Glenburn Hotel

The Glenburn Hotel

3 out of 5
Mount Stuart Road Rothesay Scotland
$74 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$89 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Rothesay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (621 reviews)
"Lovely staff. Superior sea view room great. More accessible plug sockets would be good."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

The Glenburn Hotel
Bute House - Great Sea Views!

Bute House - Great Sea Views!

Rothesay Scotland
Stay at this apartment in Rothesay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Victorian Toilets and Rothesay Ferry ...
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Bute House - Great Sea Views!
One Marine Place

One Marine Place

4 out of 5
1 Marine Place Rothesay Scotland
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Rothesay. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Victorian Toilets and Rothesay Ferry Terminal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"We were very pleased with this property. Spacious and well equipped. Lovely welcome package and cosy warm on arrival. It had everything we needed and was central for what we wanted to do. Parking was easy and convenient. We would definitely recommend 1 Marine Place for a perfect stay on Bute"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

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One Marine Place
See all 1,044 properties in Rothesay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stunning Rothesay apartment 201 5 * reviews wonderful views.

Stunning Rothesay apartment 201 5 * reviews wonderful views.

Rothesay SCT
Stay at this apartment in Rothesay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
"Beautiful flat, very generously appointed. Photos don't do it justice! We had a wonderful time, despite a storm delaying us slightly! Thank you Gordon!"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Stunning Rothesay apartment 201 5 * reviews wonderful views.
Bute House - Great Sea Views!

Bute House - Great Sea Views!

Rothesay Scotland
Stay at this apartment in Rothesay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Victorian Toilets and Rothesay Ferry ...
Bute House - Great Sea Views!
One Marine Place

One Marine Place

4 out of 5
1 Marine Place Rothesay Scotland
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Rothesay. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Victorian Toilets and Rothesay Ferry Terminal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"We were very pleased with this property. Spacious and well equipped. Lovely welcome package and cosy warm on arrival. It had everything we needed and was central for what we wanted to do. Parking was easy and convenient. We would definitely recommend 1 Marine Place for a perfect stay on Bute"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

One Marine Place
See all properties in Rothesay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Rothesay attractions

A large, historic building with a prominent tower and arched windows.
Photo by Conny Vischer
Open Photo by Conny Vischer

Mount Stuart

8.6/10 (21 reviews)
You can learn about the history of Rothesay with a stop at Mount Stuart. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
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Things to do

Shipwreck Hunters

Shipwreck Hunters

$400
per traveler
Shipwreck Hunters
Doon The Watter

Doon The Watter

$267
per traveler
Doon The Watter
Doon the watter

Full Day Charter

$1,026
per traveler
Full Day Charter
See all activities in Rothesay

Frequently asked questions

Is Rothesay worth visiting?
Rothesay is worth visiting for its rich history and beautiful island setting. Travelers can explore the impressive Rothesay Castle, a significant historical site, and discover the natural landscapes and coastal charm of the Isle of Bute. This destination offers a blend of historical exploration and scenic beauty.
When is the best time to visit Rothesay?
The best time to visit Rothesay is from June through August, when the weather is typically warmer and the destination is most popular. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter, cooler months of October through December are a good option.
What is Rothesay known for?
Rothesay is known for the Isle of Bute, where travelers can explore historic sites like Rothesay Castle. It is also home to the impressive Mount Stuart, offering a blend of natural beauty and architectural heritage on the island.
What is a good itinerary length for Rothesay?
A good itinerary length for Rothesay is two to three days to explore Rothesay Castle, Mount Stuart, and the Isle of Bute. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to enjoy activities like paddleboarding at Ettrick Bay or take a day trip to Islay for a Caol Ila Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting. See Rothesay Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Rothesay?
Rothesay offers historic sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities on the Isle of Bute.

  • Visit Rothesay Castle, a historic landmark.
  • Explore Mount Stuart, a grand estate on the Isle of Bute.
  • Discover the Bute Museum to learn about local history.
  • Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding at Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute.
  • Wander the natural landscapes of the Isle of Bute.

How do I plan a trip to Rothesay?
To plan your trip to Rothesay, book flights, hotels, and activities like visiting Rothesay Castle or Mount Stuart. Consider a tour to Islay or paddleboarding at Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute. For outdoor plans, always have indoor backups for weather flexibility. A rental car can help you explore the area.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Rothesay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Rothesay by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Rothesay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Rothesay trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Rothesay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Rothesay can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Rothesay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Rothesay trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Rothesay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Rothesay trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Rothesay?
If it's your first trip to Rothesay, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Rothesay hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Rothesay hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Rothesay

A sailboat on a lake with a historic building and houses on a hillside.

Dunoon

A rocky shoreline with houses and greenery in the background.

Tighnabruaich

A coastal landscape with a grassy field, a body of water, and distant mountains.

Kingarth

A ferry docked at a pier with a bridge in the background and hills in the distance.

Colintraive

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